Am I Liable for a Trespasser’s Injuries in West Palm Beach, Florida?

In West Palm Beach, Florida, you have a one in 21 chance of becoming the victim of a crime on your property. For every 1,000 West Palm Beach residents, 46.67 are at risk for becoming the victims of burglary, theft, or motor vehicle theft, while the national median is just 26 individuals per 1,000. With the high burglary and theft rates on private property in West Palm Beach, it is important for homeowners to understand what they are and are not liable for should a trespasser be injured on their property.

At The Pendas Law Firm, we aim to protect homeowners from a personal injury lawsuit brought against them by a trespasser, by helping them understand what they need to do in order to avoid a personal injury lawsuit altogether.

Florida Law Regarding Trespassing and Premises Liability

Under Florida Statute 768.075, a Florida homeowner or property owner cannot be held liable for any injuries or deaths sustained on their property by a trespasser IF the trespasser was under the influence of alcohol or some other mind-altering substance. However, a homeowner or property owner can be held liable for injuries to trespassers if the homeowner or property owner committed gross negligence or intentional misconduct towards the trespasser.

Furthermore, a property owner may be held liable for injuries to a trespasser in the following instances, and regardless of whether or not the trespasser was intoxicated:

The trespasser had reason to believe that they were invited onto the premises, and that they were otherwise welcome to the property where the injury occurred;

The trespasser was a “discovered trespasser,” meaning that the property owners knew of the trespassers existence and presence on the property at least 24 hours before the injury occurred, and did not remove any hazards or provide adequate warning to the trespasser of any dangers; or

The trespasser was an “undiscovered trespasser,” meaning that the property owners did not know of their presence on the premises prior to injury, but acted in an unlawful way towards the trespasser upon their discovery.

However, property owners are in no way responsible for the injuries or deaths of any individuals on their property who are there to commit a felony, or who were in the act of committing a felony when they sustained their injuries.

Attractive Nuisance Doctrine

While most trespassers in West Palm Beach have very little rights, there are a few exceptions to the law. The attractive nuisance doctrine, for instance, holds homeowners liable for injuries or deaths that occur to children on their property. Whether or not a child was invited onto the property, if there is an attractive nuisance – such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or swing set – and a child should get injured trying to get to the attractive nuisance, the homeowner will be held liable for all injuries and/or deaths. However, this law typically only applies to children.

Consult a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

At The Pendas Law Firm, we help clients determine premises liability in the event of an injury. Oftentimes, it is unclear as to who should be at fault, especially when trespassing is involved. Our West Palm Beach premises liability lawyers thoroughly understand Florida premises liability law, and can help you combat a claim brought against you by a trespasser. If an uninvited individual was injured on your property, and if they sue you for damages, contact our West Palm Beach personal injury law firm at 1-888-LPENDAS or online to schedule a private consultation today. We also serve clients in the Miami, Tampa, Fort Myer, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale & Jacksonville areas.

Passion of Pendas

Newest Million Dollar Verdict

We Get Results

Auto Accident

$1,250,000.00

Car VS. Pedestrian

$1,100,000.00

Rear-end CollisionResulting in Death

$1,000,000.00

Read What Others Have To Say About Us

“I'm very happy with this firm... Joel is an excellent attorney and
Carolyn is an amazing paralegal, After been ditched from another law
firm, Pendas took care of me and they won my case. I recommend them
100%...”
- Jacksonville -

Maria Pastor

“This law firm is amazing. I love how they always try to stay/keep in
contact with you. It shows that they really care and want everything
taken care of correctly, Thank You!...”
- Orlando -

Shantelle Blackwell

“I'm very thankful for all the attention of all the Pendas staff that
took care of my case and helped me through the process, thanks for
your patience, collaboration and comprehension!...”
- Tampa -

Carlos Guadalupe

“The Pendas Law Firm was amazing! They are very kind, professional, and hard-working! They always kept me informed. Larry Trias was great to work with! I always recommend Pendas to family and friends. Thank you for helping me with my case!”
- Fort Myers -

Heather Pepper

“Their attorneys are absolutely someone you want handling your car accident claim. They communicated with us promptly and thoroughly. I was very happy with our recovery. Their staff speaks Spanish and you feel like family.”
- Orlando -

Ian Brito

“I would definitely recommend this firm. The staff really helps you and they actually show you that they care, especially Siomara Roldan. She has been a great help for my family and myself, she is always helpful with any questions.”
- Tampa -

Wilmer D Santana Rodriguez

“5 stars for these guys! Hays Mathis got my case settled without going to court for a sum that dwarfed what the other guys were advising me to take. I highly recommend Hays not only because he does the work to get it done but he cares about the client and outcome as well!”
- Jacksonville -

Mike Reilly

“Pendas is the best! The paralegals are very attentive to your case, knowledgeable, and communicative! The attorney also won’t just be there the day of your sign up, but all throughout the process as needed. I truly recommend Pendas!”
- Orlando -